Vegas Robaina Familiares Cigar - Box of 25

Reviewed by Peter Hunt (December 2000) On first examining the cigar it was obvious that it was very well made, the wrapper was a nice even colour, light chocolate brown with a distinctive gold and brown band. The cigar felt firm along its length but not too firm, which suggested that it would be a fairly easy draw. I was not to be disappointed. No soft spots were evident so a nice even burn was anticipated. On cutting the cigar the cap came off nicely and in one piece and before lighting, the cigar did indeed have that easy draw which I look for. (No huffing and puffing on this one!) Once light the cigar immediately started to release some wonderful flavours and aromas, with lashings of creamy smoke. The initial flavours were, to my palate creamy, coffee with a hint of spice. The ash held well for over and inch with one or two veins nicely replicated in it before I felt compelled to to rest it in the ash tray, and I am happy to say that the cigar did burn very evenly throughout its length. Within about ten minutes I began to feel that delicious intoxication of a very good cigar, from then on the cigar just kept getting better. At no time was there any hint of harshness although I have no idea how old this cigar was, it was truly a sublime smoke. The cigar was nicely complimented by a cup of coffee and some unseasonably warm winter sunshine, smoked in my favourite spot on my patio at home in Kent. Towards the end, the cigar began to release flavours that I can only describe as reminiscent of fennel seeds and a powerful flavour of fennel was left in the mouth. It was, all in all a delightful experience which lasted for a little over 45 minutes. I was able to smoke this one right down to the end, with only about 3/4 of an inch remaining. I would not hesitate to recommend these fine cigars to any of the cigar smoking community out there.

I'm very surprised these aren't much more popular than what they seem to be! They're my favourite cigar with an amazing build quality, flavour and consistency. Highly recommend having any robainas in your humidor.

This was an extremely pleasant smoke, a nice choclatey, creamy and fruity flavour with a hint of spice. The draw was very tight and the burn slightly un even. However, I highly enjoyed this smoke and would recommend it.

A very nice, smooth, smoke on the fuller side of medium flavour, medium body. Has a beautiful dark oily wrapper that looks great. "Elastic" draw that can be a bit tough and the burn is fairly un-even needing a bit of touching up now and then. Flavour is very nice; smooth, creamy chocolatey taste mainly with some leathery and peaty flavours. I find there is a very slight grassy flavour also, whether that would go with age I can't tell. Just 1 mark off for the draw, burn and because it got hot a little early. written by A. Dyer

A very nice, smooth, smoke on the fuller side of medium flavour, medium body. Has a beautiful dark oily wrapper that looks great. "Elastic" draw that can be a bit tough and the burn is fairly un-even needing a bit of touching up now and then. Flavour is very nice; smooth, creamy chocolatey taste mainly with some leathery and peaty flavours. I find there is a very slight grassy flavour also, whether that would go with age I can't tell. Just 1 mark off for the draw, burn and because it got hot a little early. written by A. Dyer